New Jeep Compass set to navigate the global SUV market
Fiat Chrysler has taken the wraps off a new compact SUV that it hopes will be a hit in 100 markets around the world.
The Compass will offer class-leading all-wheel-drive off road ability despite its diminutive dimensions -- when it goes on sale in 2017 it will slot between the Renegade and the Cherokee in Jeep's current lineup -- but will also be comfortable on the road, too.
To ensure that it can delight as many potential buyers as possible, the company has lined up 17 different powertrains for the model, but choice is most likely to be limited to two-to-four engines depending where in the world it's sold.
There were rumors that the new Compass would make its global real-world debut at this week's Paris motor show, however, on Wednesday Jeep confirmed that it won't be meeting the public until November at the LA Auto Show, instead.
Nevertheless, Jeep fans heading to the French capital for the 2016 Mondial De L'Automobile won't be too disappointed. The company will be showcasing a heavily revised Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit with a greater emphasis on premium fit, finish and materials, inside and out.
The 2017 model gets an optional full-wrap Laguna leather interior and a Nappa leather finished dashboard, plus an 825-watt Harma Kardon sound system. The new model also gets a trailer hitch camera view system as standard along with a clutch of active driver aids including land departure warning, and park assist for parallel and perpendicular spaces.
In a nod to the success of the compact Renegade in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (330,000 sales and counting), Jeep will also be debuting a limited edition model called the Desert Hawk.
Fitted with a matte front grille, off-road skid plates and 17-inch alloy wheels, the external details should help owners make the most of the car's active off-road systems, which include an active drive low system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, a hill descent mode and pre-programmed settings for a host of different terrains including rocks.
Inside the cabin is trimmed in cloth and leather, there's a premium infotainment system, dual zone automatic climate control and cruise control. Options will include the My Sky roof with removable panels.
